Educational technology is transforming classrooms, offering innovative ways to deliver learning content, facilitate communication, and assess student progress. A new study explores the effectiveness of online game-based learning (GBL) for assessing English as a foreign language (EFL) skills, with a surprising twist: while the game-based assessment didn’t necessarily improve test scores, it did significantly boost student confidence in their English abilities.
“Assessments are essential in education, allowing us to track student progress and tailor instruction accordingly,” explains the lead researcher [attribution needed]. “This study examined the impact of using a game-based approach to assess EFL learners’ performance and self-efficacy.”
The research employed a quasi-experimental design, involving two groups of intermediate-level EFL students. One group (control group) took a traditional English language test administered through a Google Form. The other group (experimental group) completed an assessment disguised as a role-playing game, specifically designed to mimic the functionalities of a traditional test.
Test Scores Tell One Story, Confidence Tells Another
The study yielded interesting results:
- No Change in Test Scores: The researchers found no significant difference in test performance between the two groups. In simpler terms, using the game-based assessment did not lead to statistically significant improvements in test scores compared to the traditional format.
- Confidence Gets a Boost: However, the study revealed a positive impact on student self-efficacy in the experimental group. Students who completed the game-based assessment reported feeling more confident in their English language skills compared to the control group.
“While the game-based assessment didn’t necessarily translate to higher test scores, it seems to have fostered a more positive learning experience for students,” observes the researcher. “This suggests that GBL assessments can be a valuable tool for boosting student motivation and confidence in language learning.”
Learning Through Play: Exploring the Benefits of GBL Assessments
The study highlights the potential benefits of incorporating game-based elements into assessments:
- Increased Engagement: The game-like format of the assessment could make the testing experience more engaging and enjoyable for students.
- Reduced Test Anxiety: A more playful approach might help alleviate test anxiety, allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills more effectively.
- Motivation and Confidence: Positive assessment experiences can boost student motivation and self-efficacy, leading to improved learning outcomes in the long run.
“These findings suggest that GBL assessments can be a valuable complement to traditional testing methods,” the researcher concludes. “By incorporating game elements, we can create a more engaging and motivating assessment experience that fosters student confidence and a positive learning environment.”
This research paves the way for further exploration of game-based learning in educational assessment. By embracing innovative approaches, educators can create assessments that are not just effective in measuring learning, but also contribute to a more positive and engaging learning experience for all students.
Maram Meccawy, Asma Alzahrani, Zinah Mattar, Rawan Almohammadi, Samah Alzahrani, Ghadeer Aljizani and Zilal Meccawy. Assessing EFL Students’ Performance and Self-Efficacy Using a Game-Based Learning Approach. Educ. Sci. 2023, 13(12), 1228; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13121228
Note: Original authors are welcome to make correction.
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